"Not if your obstinacy will lead to your being immediately cashiered, and to your imprisonment in the fortress?"
"Not then, your majesty. I cannot act differently."
"Trenck, Trenck, be on your guard! Remember that you speak to your lord and king, who has a right to demand the truth."
"Your majesty may punish me, it is your right, and your duty, and I must bear it," said Trenck, trembling and ghastly pale, but firm and confident in himself.
The king moved off for a few moments, then stood again before his lieutenant. "You will report to your captain, and ask for your discharge."
Trenck replied not. Perhaps it was not in his power. Two great tears ran slowly down his cheeks, and he did not restrain them. He wept for his youth, his happiness, his honor, and his fame.
"Go!" repeated the king.
The young man bowed low. "I thank you for gracious punishment," he said; then turned and opened the door.
The eyes of the king had followed him with marked interest. "Trenck!" cried he; and, as he turned and waited silently upon the threshold for the new command, the king stepped forward hastily and held out his hand.
"I am content with you! You have gone astray, but the anguish of soul you have just now endured is a sufficient punishment. I forgive you."